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Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes the spine to have an abnormally rounded curve to in the upper portion of the back. Approximately two to three percent of Americans have scoliosis at age 16. Less than .01 percent of those affected have spinal curves greater than 40 degrees, at which point surgery is considered. UT Health San Antonio specialists primarily use the Boston brace and Charleston nocturnal treatment methods because of consistency and clinically proven results.

There are three common types of scoliosis:

Congenital scoliosis is a congenital defect caused by a bone abnormality at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis affects the muscles and nerves and is often found in patients with spina bifida, cerebral palsy or with conditions that cause paralysis

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and generally affects children age 10 to 16. Idiopathic scoliosis might progress during the “growth spurt” years but it usually does not progress during adulthood.The cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic.

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